Point Mallard ice rink to open only 3 days per week during summers to cut costs

A hockey game at the Point Mallard Ice Skating Complex in Decatur. (Bob Gathany/File Photo/bgathany@al.com)

DECATUR, Alabama - Park officials proposed a plan Monday night to members of Decatur City Council to keep from having to close Point Mallard's ice rink in the off season: Open three of the most-used days in summers.

"We took into consideration all users of the ice complex in setting the new seasonal hours," Lake said. "It is our goal to meet the needs of each customer while still doing our best to cut expenses as the City Council has requested. We feel confident this schedule will accomplish this goal."

The rink opened in 2001 as a "year-round venue providing a beautiful, safe, family-oriented, year-round recreation facility for the City of Decatur, while promoting tourism which will enhance community economic growth," Lake said, quoting from the ice rink's mission statement.